Swelling after Plastic Surgery

By dustinheringer on April 29, 2017

Many people reach a point at which they look in the mirror and find that the person staring back looks much older than they would like. When a person still feels young and energetic on the inside, it can be frustrating to have an outer appearance that looks tired and worn down. Facial cosmetic surgery addresses the common signs of aging and provides patients with a more refreshed, rejuvenated appearance. By smoothing facial wrinkles, lifting sunken facial features, and restoring volume to facial contours, plastic surgeon Dustin Heringer can take years off a person’s appearance.

While cosmetic surgery allows patients to achieve their aesthetic goals, it is important that they are patient during the recovery period that will follow treatment. Swelling is the most common side effect of plastic surgery. Here, Dr. Heringer discusses plastic surgery and how swelling benefits our Scottsdale, AZ patients, as well as what can be done to control this surgical side effect.

The Benefits of Swelling

As uncomfortable as swelling can be, it is actually an important part of the healing process. Swelling happens for a reason. It is a self-defense mechanism that kicks in any time the body is traumatically injured. When the body has been injured, it increases blood flow to the area. This is the body’s way of increasing nutrients and fluids that will be beneficial to the healing process. So, while it may not be much fun (or attractive) to have your surgical site and surrounding areas swollen with extra fluids, it is natural, and even helpful.

Controlling Swelling

Although inflammation plays a role in plastic surgery recovery, it is still important to keep swelling under control. If proper steps are not taken to control swelling, inflammation may actually impede the body’s ability to heal in a timely manner. Dr. Heringer provides patients with the following tips for keeping swelling down after plastic surgery:

When resting, be sure to keep the head slightly elevated. It is important that blood is able to flow from the surgical site.

Avoid strenuous physical activities during the early days of recovery, but begin taking short, frequent walks as soon as possible.

Use ice packs and cold compresses around the treatment site to minimize swelling and control discomfort.

Keep any surgical wrappings or compression garments on the treatment site until directed by Dr. Heringer.

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Avoid foods that are high in salt.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Aspirin, Motrin, and Aleve can be used as necessary to control pain and reduce inflammation.

Schedule an Appointment

After swelling subsides and recovery is complete, facial plastic surgery leaves patients with a more youthful and refreshed appearance. If you’re interested in minimizing the signs of aging and would like to learn more about the facial plastic surgery procedures offered by Dr. Dustin Heringer, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.